It’s not uncommon for friendships to form during the Distinguished Young Women of Kingfisher County Scholarship Program.

This year, however, it wasn’t just contestants who formed a bond.

Tiffanie Barnett took the reins as program director this year after the title was held for three decades by Johanna Adams.

“Johanna has done an outstanding service to the program for 30 years so it was certainly big shoes to fill,” said Barnett, who was the first runner-up and won the talent portion of the contest then known as Kingfisher County Junior Miss in 1993.

Barnetthas been a part of DYW for seven years and served the past four as judges’ chair (with the exception of one year when her daughter, Emma, competed).

Longtime committee member Sandy Murray also stepped down this year.

That left voids for Barnett to fill.

“It’s hard to find someone that is willing to commit six Sunday afternoons and a full weekend in November dedicated to volunteering,” Barnett said.

With longtime “valued” committee member Patsy Leck of Okarche by her side, Barnett set out in search of a new judges’ chair.

“I was given Katie (Davis) Ward’s name and reached out to her,” Barnett said.

Ward was the 2008 Kingfisher Junior Miss winner and also claimed the Penny King Spirit Award.

Ward willingly agreed to volunteer.

Of course, with this being 2020, nothing is easy.

“Taking over the program in the middle of a pandemic has been challenging but rewarding,” Barnett said.

DYW’s state director and board generally attend the local events, but with COVID-19, they stayed put in Bartlesville.

“We decided to do the interviews via Zoom last weekend so it was less time of exposure, so our state judges’ chair joined Katie for that category via Zoom,” Barnett said.

“Katie also ‘Zoomed’ the state director, Robert Reeves, during our program’s deliberation

Ward said Barnett stepped up to the challenge of being a first-year director in the midst of everything else taking place.

“Tiffanie made the role as director look easy and she did it flawlessly,” Ward said.

“Not only did she have to direct and take care of every detail, she also had to teach me my role since I had never helped on the committee side.” Ward herself reveled in the experience.

“I loved meeting the four participants, and seeing the amazing young ladies they are,” she said. “They represented their school very well and we were so proud of all of them. And the best part is every girl walked away with scholarship money this year.”

Ward also acknowledged the teamwork it takes to pull off a successful program.

“While Tiffanie and I made a great team, we couldn’t do it without the other committee members and volunteers who made the night happen,” she said. “From decorating, to back stage help, we had many hands-on people who gave many hours to make that night happen for these girls.

“I look forward to being involved with this program for many years to come.”

Barnett’s dream is to continue growing the program.

Leck is stepping down this year, leaving another committee spot to fill.

Barnett said Kaci Farrar, who has volunteered in the past, but took off this year, will return next year.

But, Barnett said, she wants more.

“My goal is to get a member from each of the towns so we can build the program,” Barnett said. “I am very passionate about this program being in it myself 27 years ago. I love helping with programs that make an impact and furthering ones’ confidence.”

She’ll try to do so with Ward by her side.

“She willbe a huge factor to growing the program as well,” Barnett said of her new judges’ chair.

“I have certainly gained a new friend by adding her in my life.”